During the early part of the 1900s, leather was in short supply in northern Europe. Always a more desirable book covering material than cloth or 
paper, especially in areas of hard wear such as the spine and corners, leather was 
becoming rare due to the first world war's restrictions on the use of it in non­
military applications. Binderies had to find ways to provide durable, attractive books 
while using less leather. Millimeter bindings were born out of the need to conserve 
rare materials, yet still get the benefit of using a little bit of them. Allowing only a 
single millimeter of leather to show on the boards at the spine and corners, these 
bindings also made the most of what northern Europeans inherently had in spades: 
leather paring skills. And since the early 1900s, many hand binders around the 
world have developed and refined this style of binding as an artistic expression. In 
this class, we will begin to explore the creative options available when making use of 
this modern style of hardcover binding with leather. 
At the end of this class you will have a small collection of three different types of 
millimeter bindings. 

There is some pre­class preparation required to participate in this workshop. Once 
you register, you will receive (or you may pick up from the Center) the paper, linen 
tapes, and simple instructions to sew three textblocks on tapes. In order to focus 
our class time on working with leather, please sew the textblocks prior to the first 
class. If you have any questions about this, please email the instructor at 
jc@bookislandbindery.com

Materials to bring:  Basic bookbinding tools (bone folder, awl, olfa snap off knife, scissors, dividers), Peachey English knife used in Intermediate 

Pre-requisite: Intermediate Bookbinding

Workshop + Materials Fee:  $215

 About the Instructor | Juliayn Coleman 

Juliayn Coleman has been a professional bookbinder since her graduation from the North Bennet Street School bookbinding program in 2003. Her private practice encompasses all levels of book repair and conservation, custom portfolio and enclosure making, teaching, and being a good ambassador for the craft of bookbinding in general.

Past Student Reviews

“Can’t say enough of Juliayn’s patience, composure, and professionalism. I struggled with several steps and she was always there to help me with her smile and kind heart”

“Thoroughly loved the class. I am very appreciative of Juliayn’s patience and her thorough knowledge of bookbinding”

“Juliayn is very knowledgeable and conveys her knowledge in a clear manner with a fun sense of humor”